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A scientific expedition to study microplastic pollution in the Arctic basin has begun in the Arkhangelsk Region, according to the Clean North - Clean Country ecological movement. The expedition, which involves young scientists, specialists, university professors, and students from across Russia, is conducting field research aboard two yachts of the Nord Sailing Center in the waters of the Northern Dvina River.

Separately, the environmental movement has announced plans to create a scientific platform for testing technological solutions in the region, a project that will be presented at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

Coverage Comparison

Both announcements were reported by TASS, the Russian state news agency, based on information provided by the press center of the Clean North - Clean Country ecological movement. The first report, dated May 27, detailed the start of the expedition, while a second report, dated June 5, outlined the forthcoming scientific platform and its presentation at SPIEF.

The two reports highlight different facets of the environmental movement's activities: one focuses on immediate field research, the other on future technological development and institutional cooperation.

Key Claims

  • The first scientific and ecological expedition of the "Development of civil science in the waters of the White Sea and the Northern Dvina" project began in the Arkhangelsk Region. Over five days, participants will conduct research in the waters of the Northern Dvina and along the route to the Ust-Pinega River, as reported by TASS citing the movement's press center.
  • The expedition's main task is to study microplastic pollution in the Arctic basin. Field research takes place on two yachts of the Nord Sailing Center, and the team will test environmental techniques and equipment for monitoring in real expedition conditions.
  • The project is organized by the Clean North - Clean Country ecological movement, with support from MIREA - Russian Technological University, the Arctic Team, the #MYVMESTE International Award, the Governor's Center of the Arkhangelsk Region, and the Anisimov Nord Sailing Center.
  • A separate project, "Development of environmental and situational monitoring technologies," aims to create a field platform for testing modern technological solutions in instrument engineering, autonomous systems, and data analysis in the conditions of the northern seas. It will be presented at SPIEF.
  • The Clean North - Clean Country environmental movement and the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI) plan to sign a cooperation agreement during the forum, covering two years of joint work and forming the basis for a program of testing and developing new technologies in Arctic conditions.
  • The project provides for broad involvement of developers, technologists, equipment manufacturers, students, young professionals, and scientists from the Arkhangelsk Region and other regions. One key event will be an expert competition with representatives from the Arkhangelsk Region's government, the Arctic Development Project Office, AARI, and the Governor's Center.
  • The initiative has been posted on the Dobry SPIEF platform, where applicants may receive additional expert and financial support, according to Artem Smolokurov, leader of the Clean North - Clean Country movement. He stated that project financing for 2026 has been secured through cooperation with MIREA.
Artem Smolokur, leader of the movement, emphasized the importance of involving young people in environmental work, calling it "real field practice" where participants can obtain real data and test modern techniques. He noted that such projects help unite science, public initiatives, and environmental education.